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How do you get sleep while caregiving?

Caregivers: Dementia | Last Active: Jan 27 8:51am | Replies (28)

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Profile picture for memoriestomoments @memoriestomoments

Hi @trishaanderson
Sure. I got this tip from my local support group. We slide a Walgreens Men's "Guard" inside the first diaper in a position that covers the relevant area. Then we put on another diaper. It is important to put in the Guard without taking the little cover over the adhesive strip, so that it is easy to take it out later if that is all that is wet.

Important: I stopped having him wear pajama bottoms long ago. They are an impediment to all toileting and they are another thing to soak and wash if there is an accident.

When I check him at night I open up both of the diapers. This is made easier by the fact that he sleeps on his back. I remove the guard if it is wet. Then I check to see if the diaper is also wet. If it is, I remove that one. In my husband's case, he only half wakens up during this. He is (usually) very good about raising his hips so that I can slip out the inner diaper by pulling it down as he raises his hips. If he is not able to do that I get it out by pushing him over as if he is rolling onto one hip, and lower that side of the inner diaper. Then I repeat on the other side. I put in another guard and close up the second diaper.

BTW: On the bed, I put one of those fabric pads that has a waterproof backing under him and on top of that I array two of the paper pads just in case there is a large flow or in case he has a messy bowel movement that requires clean up in bed. I have not had to wash sheets or worry about the mattress because of an accident in a very long time. We live and learn but I, like you, really wished I had detailed instructions.

For back health, especially as he sleeps longer now, We have a wedge "pillow" to elevate his upper body and a pillow that we put under his knees every night.

I hope that this helps.

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Replies to "Hi @trishaanderson Sure. I got this tip from my local support group. We slide a Walgreens..."

@memoriestomoments

I'm doing the same, caring for my mom. Waking up now every 3-4 hrs from 2-3. It's been a year and some but I've noticed I got used to the hours, still a lil tired. I have the same routine, my mom can lift herself, finally, to change her, use bed pads, etc. It wasn't always like this. Not gonna lie changing my own vitamins, supplements, attitude and lots of prayers has helped. My back has hurt, but exercise/yoga, when I initially put her to bed, has helped and elevating everything, medical bins, trash, other supplies, etc., so I don't have to bend over the bed. Getting 10 min walks when I can, listening to music, which she likes as well. I needed to take care of myself before I can fully take care of her with my best attitude. After a year and a half I'm finally getting better at time management and putting myself as "one" of the priorities cause she is my number 1. Lil by lil. You got this, sending prayers!

@memoriestomoments
Thank you so much for the detailed explanation. I made a copy for future reference.